Chasetown FC kicked off their pre-season a few games behind everyone else, but from the early stages at Heath Hayes it was clear to see that the extra training had been productive.
The players were quick on the ball and on the offensive and, but for former keeper Mark Wiggins, could have had a hatful of goals.
Inside three minutes, Chad Degville crossed from the right and tight control and then a volley from Will Whieldon saw Wiggins make the first of many top saves.
It was Degville again who teed up Jake Lovatt and Wiggins was equal to the effort as all the early pressure was on the Hayes goal.
The opening goal was no surprise when it came. Substitute Chris Baker forced Wiggins into another save but he was helpless to stop the rebound as Lovatt calmly pounced.
Crosses were coming from both full backs and Connor Ryan’s right boot from left back almost assisted Lovatt’s second only to be denied again by the home keeper.
In the 38th minute, the Scholars increased their advantage. This time it was Lovatt who’s shot was saved by Wiggins and Baker followed up to fire home.
Whieldon added a third on the stroke of half-time with an effort from outside the box which emphasised Chasetown’s first half dominance.
The Scholars rang the changes at half time with eight new faces and the hosts capitalised on the new look visitors to pull one back through Regan Smith two minutes after the break.
It took Chasetown just six minutes to restore the three goal advantage with a lovely ball from midfield into the path of Clayton Johnson who coolly slotted beyond Wiggins.
Just after the hour, Hayes reduced the deficit again through Jack Arrowsmith – a goal that proved to be the end of the scoring for the afternoon.
In front of a crowd of 225, a strong run from Nkosi Mzungwana into the penalty area saw his effort blocked at the near post and Mussy Nduna was acrobatically just wide with the rebound.